London Assembly Labour members today abstained on a motion calling for a Disability Equality Champion for London, despite having unanimously supported it just nine months ago.
The U-turn comes after Mayor Sadiq Khan declined to implement the original motion passed with cross-party agreement on 5th September 2024, claiming that disability issues were already adequately covered by his Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice.
However Disabled People’s Organisations such as Inclusion London have repeated calls for a dedicated leader focused on disability equality in City Hall. Assembly Member Gareth Roberts AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“Nine months ago, every single party in the Assembly – including Labour – recognized that 1.2 million disabled Londoners deserve dedicated representation and leadership. The needs of disabled people haven’t changed, but Labour’s commitment to them seemingly has.”
The motion comes as Disabled People’s Organizations continue to highlight systemic exclusion from City Hall processes, including the current “Towards a New London Plan” consultation which lacked accessible formats like Easy Read and BSL versions which should be available as standard issue.
Assembly Member Roberts added: “Clearly, the status quo we have at City Hall just isn’t good enough, when the lived perspective of disabled Londoners is so regularly excluded from City Hall policy and planning decisions. It’s time we had someone with the mandate and focus to turn that around.”
Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari AM OBE, who seconded today’s motion, said:
“At a time when so many people are struggling and worried about the prospect of brutal cuts to PIP, it’s more important than ever that the Mayor does everything in his power to listen to, support and work alongside disabled Londoners. A more inclusive London starts with a more inclusive City Hall.”
